Founded in 1985, the school occupies a Grade II listed Victorian villa in Balham designed by Thomas Cubitt, about five minutes from Clapham Common. This independent, co-educational primary school educates 230 pupils aged 6 months to 11 years across its day nursery, kindergarten, and preparatory school. Founded and still guided by principal Mary McCahery, the school operates on a "I care, I share" ethos, maintaining a notably personal approach where everyone is on first-name terms. The school received an Excellent rating across all areas in its most recent Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection. Fees range from £6,924 to £7,508 per term for the 2025/26 academic year.
Founded in 1985 by Mary McCahery, The White House began as a family enterprise and has retained that character for over 30 years. McCahery remains actively involved as principal and teaches history to Years 3-6, while two of her daughters now run the Woodentops nurseries. Since 2024, headteacher Joe Knight has led the school; he holds a BA in maths and economics and a PGCE from Durham University, and previously taught at Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Broomwood Boys in Clapham.
The school's motto, "I care, I share," reflects its community-centred philosophy. Parents frequently cite the nurturing, family atmosphere as a defining characteristic. The first-name culture extends to staff-pupil interactions, fostering warmth without sacrificing academic rigour. Families are said to appreciate that it’s inclusive and non‑selective, with places offered in registration order rather than through screening.
The setting contributes to the atmosphere: a listed Victorian villa provides a distinctive backdrop, though like most South West London prep schools in converted period houses, space is at a premium. The school has announced expansion plans, having purchased the adjacent building to create a two-storey facility with a double-height dining hall and flexible learning spaces, working with award-winning architects vPPr on a sustainable design.
The White House follows the National Curriculum enhanced by PSHE, reasoning, Business Enterprise, and three languages: French, Spanish, and Latin. The school's "super curriculum" initiative extends beyond traditional academics, integrating life skills through its nurture, choice, and futures programme. Cross-curricular teaching is central to the approach, and pupils develop strong literacy, oracy, and public speaking skills.
Classes are capped at 18, with two forms per year, aiming to keep attention personalised. The Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection noted "excellent quality of pupils' academic and personal achievements," with pupils displaying exceptionally strong literacy and reading skills, high standards in writing and verbal expression, and broad knowledge in history, geography, and science.
The school does not publish national Key Stage 2 results, a common practice among independent preparatory schools. However, destination schools provide a proxy measure of academic preparation. Pupils regularly leave with scholarships to selective independent schools including Alleyn's, Dulwich College, Emanuel, James Allen's Girls' School, Putney High School, Streatham & Clapham High, Royal Russell, The Hall, Trinity, and Whitgift. Some also secure places in top sets at state schools including Dunraven, Graveney, and the selective Wilson's Grammar School.
Music, drama, and art are strong features. Pupils take pride in creative achievements, supported by a wide extracurricular programme. The school has received recognition for sports and sustainable travel initiatives, reflecting pupils' enthusiasm and determination. As with most prep schools in the area, limited on-site sports facilities mean pupils are bussed to community facilities for physical education.
The Grade II listed Cubitt villa provides the school's historic core, with recent extensions and additions accommodating modern needs. Space constraints typical of South West London prep schools mean specialist facilities are more limited than at purpose-built campuses, but the school compensates with thoughtful design and off-site access.
The Woodentops Kindergarten serves children from 6 months, with part-time nursery sessions available from two and a half years. Pupils enter Reception at four plus, with the preparatory school continuing through to Year 6. The integrated nursery-to-prep structure supports continuity and allows siblings to attend the same site.
Extracurricular provision spans creative and physical domains. Music, drama, and art feature prominently, with pupils participating in performances and exhibitions. Sports activities take place at community facilities. The school emphasises experiential learning, with school trips and enrichment events integrated into the curriculum.
Public speaking and oracy are explicitly taught, reflecting the school's commitment to communication skills. Business Enterprise, part of the "super curriculum," introduces practical concepts. The cross-curricular approach means subjects such as history and geography often intersect, broadening pupils' contextual understanding.
The planned expansion will significantly enhance facilities, with a new double-height open-plan space, dining hall, and flexible focused learning areas on the first floor. The sustainable design aligns with the school's environmental ethos, recognised through its sustainable travel initiatives.
Admissions are non‑selective and unusually operate first‑come, first‑served. Entry points include the day nursery (from 6 months), part-time nursery (from two and a half), Pre-Reception (3+), Reception (4+), and Year 3 (7+). Places in other year groups are available subject to space.
The non-selective model makes The White House accessible compared to academically selective independent schools, though the fee structure typical of London preparatory schools remains a barrier. Parents value the absence of entrance exams and the inclusive admissions approach, which reduces early childhood assessment pressures.
The school serves Balham, Clapham, and surrounding South West London neighbourhoods. Its location near Clapham Common makes it convenient for families in Lambeth and adjacent boroughs. The catchment is primarily local, reflecting the primary age phase and the school's community-oriented ethos.
Competition for places depends on year group and timing. Given the first-come, first-served admissions, early registration is advisable, particularly for popular entry points such as Reception and Year 3. The school does not publish application-to-offer ratios, but its reputation and consistent destination results suggest steady demand.
Parents considering The White House should register interest early, particularly for standard entry points. The school's admissions team can provide guidance on availability and timelines. Given the non-selective policy, the admissions process focuses on fit with the school's ethos and values rather than academic screening.
In South West London’s competitive prep market, White House Prep & Woodentops is presented as a distinctive option. Its family-run character, non-selective admissions, and strong pastoral ethos differentiate it from academically selective peers. The Excellent ISI rating validates the school's educational quality, while destination schools demonstrate solid academic preparation.
Families seeking a nurturing, inclusive preparatory school with personalised attention will find The White House appealing. The capped class sizes, first-name culture, and emphasis on care and sharing create a supportive environment. Pupils who thrive with encouragement rather than high-pressure competition may particularly benefit.
The academic programme is broad and enriched, with three languages, a super curriculum, and strong creative provision. Public speaking, oracy, and life skills are explicitly taught. While the school does not publish national test results, leavers' destinations to top independent schools and selective state schools suggest effective preparation for 11+ transitions.
The school's setting in a listed Victorian villa adds charm but also imposes space constraints, typical of South West London prep schools. The planned expansion will address some limitations, adding modern, sustainable facilities. Families prioritising extensive grounds or specialist sports facilities may find the offering modest compared to larger campuses, though off-site access mitigates this.
For families valuing a non-selective, values-driven preparatory education with strong creative and communication emphasis, The White House offers a compelling proposition. Its long-standing reputation, family leadership, and inclusive admissions model make it a community anchor in Balham. Parents should weigh the fee commitment against the personalised, nurturing environment and consistent academic outcomes.
It’s aimed at families wanting a prep where creativity, character and care matter alongside academics. Its non-selective admissions and family ethos provide an alternative to selective independent schools, while maintaining the standards expected of a London prep school preparing pupils for competitive secondary transitions.
The school received an ISI ‘Excellent’ judgement across all areas in its most recent inspection. The school is recognised for excellent academic and personal achievements, with pupils regularly securing places and scholarships at top independent schools including Alleyn's, Dulwich College, Emanuel, and James Allen's Girls' School. The non-selective admissions policy, small class sizes (capped at 18), and strong pastoral care are valued by families. The school's emphasis on creativity, oracy, and life skills complements a broad curriculum that includes three languages and a "super curriculum."
Main entry points are the day nursery (from 6 months), part-time nursery (from two and a half), Pre-Reception (3+), Reception (4+), and Year 3 (7+), with places in other year groups subject to availability. Early registration is advisable, particularly for popular entry points. Prospective families should contact the school's admissions office directly via the school website or by phone to register interest, arrange a visit, and discuss availability. The admissions process focuses on fit with the school's ethos and values rather than entrance exams.
For the 2025/26 academic year, fees range from £6,924 per term for Reception to £7,508 per term for upper year groups. Fees include VAT but exclude lunches. Annual fees therefore range from approximately £20,772 to £22,524 for three terms. Additional costs for nursery provision, registration fees, deposits, and extracurricular activities may apply. Families should contact the school directly for the most current fee information and to inquire about any bursaries, scholarships, or sibling discounts.
Pupils regularly leave The White House with scholarships and places at top independent schools in South West and South London. Main destinations include Alleyn's, Dulwich College, Emanuel, James Allen's Girls' School, Putney High School, Streatham & Clapham High, Royal Russell, The Hall, Trinity, and Whitgift. Some pupils also secure places in top sets at selective state schools including Dunraven, Graveney, and Wilson's Grammar School. The range of destinations reflects the school's strong academic preparation and demonstrates success in preparing pupils for 11+ transitions.
Yes, the school operates Woodentops Kindergarten, which serves children from 6 months in the day nursery. Part-time nursery sessions are available from two and a half years. The integrated nursery-to-prep structure supports continuity from early years through to Year 6, and allows siblings to attend the same site. The kindergarten is run by two of founder Mary McCahery's daughters, maintaining the school's family-led character.
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